As General Motors continues to expand its EV lineup, a new crop of performance-oriented models is emerging, including the new Cadillac Lyriq-V and the up-and-coming Cadillac Optiq-V. The 2026 Lyriq-V was unveiled in late October, while GM Authority has spotted the Cadillac Optiq-V testing as a camouflaged prototype. With these new developments in motion, we can’t help but wonder – could a high-performance Chevy Equinox EV SS be next on the list?
It’s certainly an interesting idea. After all, both the Cadillac Optiq and the Chevy Equinox EV ride on GM’s BEV3 platform, both share similar dimensions, and both could potentially feature the same high-output powertrain setup. It would be a similar parts-sharing strategy as the Lyriq-V and Chevy Blazer EV SS, which also share architecture and drivetrain elements. Not only that, but both the Optiq and Equinox EV are produced at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
Currently, the standard Cadillac Optiq delivers 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 302 miles. Meanwhile, the Optiq-V is expected to significantly raise those figures, likely targeting around 440 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque, or possibly using the Cadillac Lyriq AWD’s dual-motor system, rated at 515 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. By comparison, the Cadillac Lyriq-V boosts output to 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, a 100-horsepower gain over the standard Lyriq AWD.
On the Chevy side, the Equinox EV AWD currently tops out at 300 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque. If GM follows the Optiq-V’s formula, an Equinox EV SS could realistically push 400 to 500 horsepower, making it a legitimate high-performance option in the growing electric crossover segment.
Although the Blazer EV SS already serves as Chevy’s sporty electric crossover offering, an Equinox EV SS could offer customers an attractive, slightly smaller alternative. But we want to know – would you like to see an Equinox EV SS join Chevy’s lineup? Tell us by voting in the poll below!
Comments
I believe the Optiq is rear-wheel biased AWD while the Equinox EV is front-wheel biased. If they do an SS version of the Equinox, it’ll be really interesting to see if they match the Optiq or leave it as it is, just with more power. If they changed the Equinox to be rear-biased, it seems like it would be a much bigger difference in performance than with the Blazer EV SS.
Either way, I hope they offer better looking wheels if they make an SS. I don’t understand the all-black wheel craze. I guess they’re cheaper to produce, and people seem to like them, but they look like spare tires!
“rear-wheel biased” doesnt matter in EV land, especially with Ultium. Heck, the Blazer EV can be full FWD, or full RWD, or AWD.
Camaro V8 died for this trash.
Maybe you should have actually bought a new Camaro to help justify extended production.
The Blazer and Equinox EVs are selling in much higher numbers and when properly equipped, blow the doors off the Camaro. And no visibility issues like the Camaro. Overall a win win for the Equinox and Blazer EVs.
What cave have you been in? GM refused to accept thousands of Camaro orders in 2023 and 2024. Demand didn’t kill the Camaro, Mary did.
Well then you can buy one when the EV version comes out with 4 doors! LOL
Sales of the Camaro dropped below 30k back in 2020.
Don’t think an Equinox SS would be necessary. However, a higher horsepower variant for both RS Front wheel drive and all-wheel drive trims would be nice. It used to be that sportier models would have more power, but now GM’s go to is just larger, wheels. All show with no extra go lol
Yo GMC Fan I’m proud to own a ZL1 Camaro and take it to car shows all the time. So work with me here, which vehicle do you think folks would go to first to look at; the Camaro ZL1, Blazer, or Equinox SSs? Easy answer sir.
Crossover = station wagon
That said, it’s a bolder statement to have a high performance station wagon that a sports car. it takes someone with a different thought pattern to want this combination.
Definition: Station wagon
noun
1) An automobile having an extended interior with a third seat or luggage platform and a door or tailgate at the back.
2) A body style for cars in which the roof is extended rearward to produce an enclosed area in the position of and serving the function of the boot (trunk) of a sedan / saloon.
3) A car that has a long body and rear door with space behind rear seat.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
I wish that Equinox EV SS would come soon. I have a 2009 Equinox 2LT and I want to trade it in.